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Summary

This resolution calls upon the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to analyze the potential combined impacts of future regulations for coal-fired power plants and to share this analysis with the states. The resolution furthers calls upon Congress to take ensure EPA conducts this analysis.

Draft

Resolution Concerning the Combined Impacts of Future EPA Regulations for Coal-Fired Power Plants

WHEREAS, the United States is blessed with abundant energy resources; and

WHEREAS, it is in our national interests to have a diverse and balanced energy mix that takes full advantage of all of our energy resources; and

WHEREAS, a reliable and affordable electricity supply is vital to economic growth, energy security, jobs, and the overall interests of the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, in 2005, coal-fired power plants were responsible for generating 50% of U.S. electricity; and

WHEREAS, in 2015, coal-fired power plants were responsible for generating 33% of U.S. electricity; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that by 2040, only 18% of U.S. electricity will be generated by coal-fired power plants; and

WHEREAS, more U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations could be imposed on coal-fired power plants; and

WHEREAS, these EPA regulations include new ambient air quality standards for ozone, fine particles, and sulfur dioxide; new rules addressing interstate transport of air pollutants; ongoing regional haze requirements; requirements for coal combustion residuals; and effluent limitation guidelines; and

WHEREAS, future EPA regulations are likely to cause even less fuel diversity, higher electricity prices, the retirement of more coal-fired electric generating units, further reductions in the use of coal to produce electricity, and more harm to states that rely on coal for jobs and for reliable and affordably priced electricity; and

WHEREAS, EPA develops its own analysis of the cost and benefits of its proposed rules with a bias towards their adoption, specifically by double counting so-called “co-benefits” attributable to other regulatory efforts.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the American Legislative Exchange Council urges EPA to analyze the combined potential impacts of its future regulations for coal-fired power plants and to share such analysis with all states and Congress to require the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to provide an independent cost/benefit analysis of all major EPA rules transmitted to Congress; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that EPA should minimize such impacts on the nation and each state as it develops each individual regulation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Congress should take all necessary steps to ensure that EPA analyzes the combined potential impacts of such future regulations on the U.S. electricity sector, jobs, energy prices, individual states, and regions of the country and to share such analysis with all states.